How to Use Picture Cards in Speech Therapy
Speech therapists can effectively use picture cards with children in speech therapy sessions. If children have limited speech capacity, the picture cards help the children to learn the words for the represented objects or actions. If children are nonverbal, picture cards provide a valuable means of communication. In either case, communication takes place as children exchange the picture card for the related object or action. For instance, if a child wants to play a game or needs to use the restroom, she will give the relevant picture card to the therapist, who will grant the request.
Things You'll Need
- Discarded magazines or catalogs
- Boardmaker or PECS software (optional)
- Pictures or diagrams printed or pasted on copy paper or cardstock
- Laminating sheets (optional)
Instructions
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Create your picture cards, usually no smaller than two inches square. Cut out suitable pictures from discarded magazines or catalogs, and paste pictures onto copy paper or cardstock. If you have Boardmaker or PECS software, print out suitable pictures on paper or cardstock. Cut into squares. If you want to make the cards more durable, laminate them.
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Tape some picture cards to objects or places in the room. These picture cards can help your speech therapy clients make the connection between the objects or places (such as the bathroom) and the words when you speak them. Encourage your clients to repeat the related words, if they are able to speak.
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Model the picture exchange process with your speech therapy clients. Based on the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) developed by Dr. Andrew Bondy and Speech-Language Pathologist (CCC/SLP) Lori Frost, communication takes place as a client exchanges a picture for the actual object or action represented. For instance, when your client hands you a picture card of a game, you say the name of the game and give it to your client. Likewise, if a child hands you a picture card of a toilet, you would accompany him to the bathroom door.
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Construct booklets and games with picture cards to encourage both receptive and expressive language. In addition to using individual picture cards as described in previous steps, create booklets with pages depicting various themes (such as similar items or contrasting items, or items with similar beginning sounds). Make games to encourage clients to perform strategic activities. For instance, using a game board shaped like a house, help clients match items to the correct room. Create a "symbol shelf," such as SLP Judith Stebbins uses, to match picture cards with actions or events. Stebbins uses a piece of fruit and the relevant picture card, for instance, to represent snack time.
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Demonstrate the communication process for parents. Encourage parents to attend a speech therapy session to observe as you interact with their child, as described in the previous steps. Provide the parents with a smaller set of picture cards, or instructions to make their own picture cards at home. Emphasize the importance of follow-up activities at home to reinforce lessons learned and progress made during therapy sessions.
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Tips & Warnings
Use cardstock and laminating sheets to create sturdier, more durable picture cards.
Be creative in designing other activities with picture cards.
Invest in Boardmaker or PECS software for a full library of suitable diagrams and photos.
Exercise patience and repeat the communication exchange process frequently for the child's sake.
Encourage parents to create their own picture cards at home and practice with their children, to reinforce lessons from therapy sessions.
Consider attending PECS training sessions to become a certified PECS consultant.
Don't give up too soon if a child doesn't comprehend or struggles with the communication exchange process.
Don't expect each child or client to progress at the same pace.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit fillette avec nounours image by Christian STAEBLER from Fotolia.com
